I think the hiking trail near the old mill is still closed for repairs. A friend mentioned they saw crews working on it last weekend, so hopefully it will reopen soon. The weather has been perfect for long walks though, and I've been going to the park by the river instead. It's about a mile loop and has some nice shaded spots. Let me know if you want directions. I have a map saved on my phone. Someone told me the wildflowers are starting to bloom along the creek, which sounds lovely. We should plan a morning trip before it gets too hot. Coffee at the cafe by the entrance is pretty good too. They have a new seasonal drink with vanilla and honey that I tried last week. Let me know what you think about next Saturday. I can bring snacks.

I finally finished that documentary series about marine ecosystems my cousin recommended. It was fascinating but also kind of sad seeing the coral bleaching sections. The cinematography was stunning though. I learned so much about how different species rely on each other in reef habitats. Did you know parrotfish produce most of the sand on tropical beaches? That fact stuck with me. Anyway, if you want to borrow the streaming login, just let me know. It’s four episodes and about an hour each. We could even watch one together next time you come over.
 
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I helped my neighbor move some boxes into their garage yesterday. They just returned from a trip and had a ton of stuff to unpack. It was actually fun because they brought back some interesting souvenirs from a local artisan market. I got to see hand-painted coasters and a cool woven basket. We ended up talking for almost an hour about their travels. They recommended a small bookstore downtown that I have never noticed before. I might stop by this weekend to browse. They said the owner is really friendly and often has live acoustic music on Saturday afternoons. Sounds like a nice way to spend a few hours.

I finally organized my bookshelf over the weekend. It took longer than I expected because I kept stopping to flip through old favorites. Found a cookbook I had forgotten about with some really simple pasta recipes. Made one last night with cherry tomatoes and basil. Turned out great. My roommate said it was the best thing I have made in weeks. I am thinking of trying the lemon chicken recipe next. The ingredient list is pretty short so it seems easy enough. Have you tried any new recipes lately? I am always looking for something quick that does not require too many dishes. Let me know if you have any recommendations. Maybe we can swap favorites next time we catch up.